Almost all types of injuries can happen in a place of work and this can cost the employees and employers money and time. Even if the company implements various safety programs, accidents are inevitable. If an injury occurs at work, the victim is entitled to workers’ compensation. Here are the 6 most common workplace injuries you should know.
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Overexertion and Muscle Strains
Overexertion and muscle strains lead to long-term pain that can impact your productivity. These types of injuries are caused by repetitive movements like lifting, pulling, holding, pushing, or carrying heavy loads. If you continuously perform manual work or use improper lifting techniques, you will strain your muscles. This can affect body movement and the function of other organs.
It is essential to ensure that you get frequent breaks to avoid overexertion and lower the risk of severe physical harm. You should also stretch your body and keep your muscles flexible so as not to overuse certain organs. The other issue is that you risk over-stretching your muscles and tendons if you lift heavy loads. It is essential to know your limits and take time to rest. You must visit a doctor if you are experiencing discomfort or overexertion pain. Untreated injuries can manifest over time which can cause more issues at a later stage.
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Back Injuries
Whatever type of job you do, the chances of suffering from back pain or any other related injury will be high. Lifting heavy loads or performing repetitive tasks can cause problems with your back. The most common types include back sprain which involves stretched or torn ligaments and back strain. It damages the muscles and tendons. In Kentucky, back injury is a leading cause of worker’s compensation claims. If you are hurt on the job, you are entitled to get workers compensation for back injuries at work in Kentucky without any need to prove fault or negligence. As long as you are injured doing a work-related duty, you should get financial compensation.
While the workers are protected by workers’ compensation insurance in Kentucky like any other place, you may not get the financial benefits you deserve. To overcome this hurdle, you need to enlist the services of a professional back injury attorney to handle your case. The advantage of hiring a lawyer is that they have experience in dealing with similar cases. This will help you get the benefits you deserve.
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Spine Fracture
Spine fracture is another common type of physical injury that can be caused by different things at work. This type of injury is usually severe and it can be caused by trips, slips, or falls. Blunt force trauma can also cause spine fracture, and the commonly affected areas include the mid or lower back. Falls and slips account for about one-third of all injuries that take place at work and they also come on top of workers’ compensation claims.
The most common causes of slips include wet surfaces, loose rugs, weather hazards like snow as well as oily surfaces. Falls from extended heights can be a result of poor equipment while trips may be attributed to clutter, poor lighting, or uncovered cables. To prevent these workplace accidents, you should have proper footwear and ensure that all surfaces are dry before venturing. Clutter and other obstacles must be cleared to allow for the free movement of people.
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Broken Bones
Mechanical hazards can cause injuries such as broken bones. If you work with heavy machinery or any other type of equipment, you should know that you are dealing with a safety hazard. All the equipment that is not properly guarded can crush your bones if you fail to handle it well. The results of using machines without protective guards can be disastrous. Broken bones can also be caused by falls and slips. Severe injuries can lead to amputations of other body parts or cause permanent injuries. With crushed hands or legs, you will never function normally for the rest of your life.
To prevent the hazards caused by mechanical faults, it is crucial to ensure that all machine parts are safeguarded. Proper training is a must so that the workers know how to handle different types of equipment. Workers should always exercise extreme caution when dealing with heavy loads.
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Burns
Burns are also a cause for concern since they often cause severe injuries to workers. They are mainly caused by fires, explosions, or improper handling of combustible materials. Faulty electricity supply systems or gas lines can cause unexpected fires that can injure many people. When there is an outbreak of fire, especially in an enclosed place, the workers can experience varying degrees of burns. In some cases, potential disfigurement can also happen.
To prevent explosions and fire outbreaks in the workplace, all chemicals, and other combustible materials must be stored in a safe place. Workers must also exercise extreme caution when using dangerous materials. If you are working in a hazardous environment, make sure you wear proper protective equipment like gloves, boots, face masks, and dust coats.
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Cuts and Scrapes
When you work with sharp objects or metal, you should be wary of scrapes and cuts. Power tools like grinders and saws can cause serious injuries if you fail to handle them properly. As with other work-related hazards, you should wear appropriate safety gear. Make sure all the equipment that can cause harm is guarded. You must have the proper training to understand how to use the machinery safely. Avoid using equipment you are not familiar with. Make sure all the devices are in good working condition and avoid using blunt blades. You should also keep the workspace free of obstacles and secure your clothing and hair properly.
While any form of injury can happen in the workplace, the cases above are more common than others. These injuries can affect anyone, but the good news is that they are preventable, and the risks can be reduced. It is vital to ensure that all workers exercise caution when performing different tasks, and they should wear the ideal safety gear.
